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TCF exam: which version you need for Canada
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a French proficiency test with several versions. For IRCC (Express Entry or Canadian citizenship), take TCF Canada. TCF IRN and TCF Tout public are for other purposes.
What is the TCF?
The TCF is an official French proficiency test run by France Éducation international. Test centres such as Alliance Française offer it in many countries. There are several versions. This page compares three of them: TCF Canada, TCF IRN and TCF Tout public. Each one has a different goal, so the version you book matters.
IRCC, the Canadian immigration department, lists two French tests for Express Entry: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. It does not name any other TCF version on that page. Read our TEF Canada vs TCF Canada comparison if you are not sure which of the two to take.
Three TCF versions compared
| TCF Canada | TCF IRN | TCF Tout public | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made for | Canadian economic immigration and citizenship (IRCC) | French nationality, long-term residence card in France, A1 level for OFII | Study, work or personal reasons |
| Age | Over 16 | Over 16 | 16 and above |
| Listening | 35 min, 39 questions | 20 min, 25 questions | 25 min, 29 questions |
| Language structures | Not included | Not included | 15 min, 18 questions |
| Reading | 60 min, 39 questions | 35 min, 25 questions | 45 min, 29 questions |
| Writing | Compulsory, 60 min, 3 tasks | Compulsory, 30 min, 3 tasks | Optional, 60 min, 3 tasks |
| Speaking | Compulsory, 12 min | Compulsory, 10 min | Optional, 12 min |
| Total time | 2 h 47 min | 1 h 35 min | Depends on the options you take |
Source: Alliance Française de Philadelphie, TCF Canada, TCF IRN and TCF Tout public pages, checked 25 October 2026.
Which version for Canada?
Take TCF Canada. Alliance Française Toronto describes it as proof of French for permanent residence and Canadian citizenship applications, recognized by IRCC. The same centre says you must take the complete exam: reading, listening, writing and speaking. You cannot register for single parts.
Do not book TCF IRN for Canada. Alliance Française de Philadelphie says the TCF IRN certificate is only valid for French nationality and the other French reasons listed on its page. It also says you cannot use it for admission to a French university or for emigration to Québec.
TCF Tout public can be useful for study or work, but it is not the Canada version. Writing and speaking are optional in that version, while Express Entry needs results in all four skills.
What TCF Canada looks like
- Four parts, taken together: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You cannot register for single parts.
- Validity: results must be less than 2 years old when you apply to IRCC.
See the full format and the NCLC score table on our TCF Canada exam page. For the three writing tasks, start with the writing tasks overview.
Before you book
- Check the exact name. The booking page must say TCF Canada.
- Check the centre. Each centre sets its own dates, rules and price. See how TCF Canada fees work.
- Practise writing first. Writing is marked out of 20 by examiners, so practise with a timer and get every text corrected before the exam day.
Practise TCF Canada writing
Paste your Task 1, 2 or 3 text and get a score out of 20, your NCLC level and every mistake explained in English, Português, हिंदी or ਪੰਜਾਬੀ. 5 free checks a day, no sign-up.
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What is the TCF exam?
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a French proficiency test run by France Éducation international. It has several versions, including TCF Canada, TCF IRN and TCF Tout public.
Which TCF do I need for Canada?
TCF Canada. IRCC lists TCF Canada as an approved French test for Express Entry, and its Express Entry language test page does not name any other TCF version.
Can I use TCF IRN or TCF Tout public for Canada?
Do not plan on it. TCF IRN is for French nationality and residence reasons, and TCF Tout public is a general test for study, work or personal reasons. Book TCF Canada for IRCC.
Does IRCC accept TCF Tout public?
IRCC's Express Entry language test page names TCF Canada, not TCF Tout public. Tout public also makes writing and speaking optional.
Is TCF IRN accepted for Québec?
No. Alliance Française de Philadelphie says the TCF IRN certificate cannot be used for emigration to Québec.
More about TCF Canada
- TCF Canada score calculator: NCLC level and CRS points
- TCF Canada word counter for writing Tasks 1, 2 and 3
- TCF Canada writing Task 1: format and example
- TCF Canada writing Task 2: format and example
- TCF Canada writing Task 3: structure and example
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